Chicago Engineering Leaders Dinner

​Burning Tokens, Shipping Less: The New Economics of AI Software Delivery

​About Event

​A private dinner conversation on why more AI doesn't always mean more output and what to do about it.

​AI promised to 10x engineering teams. So why are so many teams spending more on inference and shipping slower than ever?

​We're gathering engineering leaders and product leaders to cut through the hype and talk honestly about the unit economics of AI-powered software delivery — and how a new model, the AI software factory, is changing the calculus entirely.

​What we'll cover

• ​Why token spend and output quality often move in opposite directions

• ​The software factory model: orchestration, specialization, and feedback loops

• ​How Forge coordinates agents across the full SDLC — from spec to deployment

• ​Real benchmarks: token utilization by benchmark, cycle time, and defect rates

• ​Where human oversight still matters (and where it doesn't)

​What to expect

• ​Roundtable + breakout discussions

• ​Two discussion questions sent in advance (takes 5 minutes, come prepared)

• ​Chatham House rules apply: what's said in the room stays in the room

​Learn from and share with your peers. Go back to work the next day with newfound insights that further your AI-native leadership!

​Space is intentionally limited. This forum is the first in a series leading to Forge Summit 2026, our flagship event in September.

​Whether you're an engineering leader trying to justify AI spend, a founder rebuilding how your team ships, come find out what the new economics really look like. Seats are limited.